Javsicas—Anne Elizabeth Javsicas, 79, on October 11, 2025, at Foulkeways at Gwynedd, a Quaker retirement community in Gwynedd, Pa. Anne was born on February 2, 1946, to Ralph and Vera Baker in Bloomsburg, Pa. A 1964 graduate of Bloomsburg High School, Anne was a drum majorette, honors student, and homecoming queen. She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology and anthropology from the University of Pittsburgh.
Initially preparing for a Peace Corps mission to Senegal, Anne withdrew when she learned her assignment would involve promoting infant formula over breastfeeding. Instead, she joined VISTA and served in Lower Grassy-Trace Branch, Ky., where she worked on public health initiatives.
Anne later moved to New York City and became a social worker at the New York Association for the Blind (The Lighthouse), supporting blind children and adults. She earned a master’s degree in education from Bank Street College of Education.
Anne met her future husband, Peter Javsicas, on a train returning from a peace march in Washington, D.C. They married in 1971 at a farm in rural northeastern Pennsylvania, which they had purchased with friends as part of an intentional community. Though the collective vision faded, Anne and Peter remained on the farm, where they raised their children, Aaron and Laura.
In 1976, Anne and Peter helped found Greenwood Friends School in Millville, Pa., alongside other families who shared their Quaker values. Anne served as head of school and became a member of Millville Meeting.
In 1989, Anne accepted the position of head of school at Plymouth Meeting Friends School (PMFS) near Philadelphia, Pa. She and her family moved to the Philadelphia suburbs and became members of Germantown Meeting. Anne led PMFS for 22 years, fostering a vibrant learning environment rooted in Quaker principles. Her infectious enthusiasm, collaborative spirit, and belief in the Light within everyone inspired growth not only in the school as an institution but, most importantly, in the lives of its students. Under Anne’s leadership, PMFS experienced significant change, including expansion of the curriculum and programmatic offerings; extension and improvements to the campus, including thoughtfully designed buildings and spaces for learning, play, the arts, athletics, gathering, and performance; and growth in fundraising to support the school’s mission and growth.
In 2007, Anne and Peter moved to the Mount Airy neighborhood of Philadelphia. There, they cofounded the Northwest Village Network, a grassroots organization supporting seniors in aging with dignity and community.
Anne was deeply traumatized when Peter was killed by an out of control driver in Center City Philadelphia in 2017.
In the fall of 2020, Anne was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and moved into assisted living at Foulkeways.
Anne was predeceased by her parents, Ralph and Vera Baker; a brother, Ralph; and her husband, Peter.
Anne is survived by two children, Aaron Javsicas (Lucinda Bartley) and Laura Javsicas (David Ross Javsicas); four grandchildren; and two siblings, sister Jeanie and brother Ross.
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